Abstract
Quantum-enhanced optical systems operating within the 2- to 2.5-μm spectral region have the potential to revolutionize emerging applications in communications, sensing, and metrology. However, to date, sources of entangled photons have been realized mainly in the near-infrared 700- to 1550-nm spectral window. Here, using custom-designed lithium niobate crystals for spontaneous parametric down-conversion and tailored superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, we demonstrate two-photon interference and polarization-entangled photon pairs at 2090 nm. These results open the 2- to 2.5-μm mid-infrared window for the development of optical quantum technologies such as quantum key distribution in next-generation mid-infrared fiber communication systems and future Earth-to-satellite communications.
Original language | English |
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Article number | eaay5195 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Science Advances |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 13 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 27 Mar 2020 |
Keywords
- quantum-enhanced optical systems
- entangled photons
- two-photon interference